This was sent to us at the THC regarding a robbery at the Texas
Archeological Research Laboratory. Perhaps other museums should be on the
look out for these stolen items.
>>Dear friends-
>>
>>Laura Nightengale of Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL) at the
>>University of Texas here in Austin called me this morning and told me that
>>there was a break-in and robbery at TARL just prior to July 28. The
>>break-in was discovered as preparations were made for the tour by stewards
>>during the TASN meeting on that date. The news is just now coming out
>>because University officials did not want the loss publicized, apparently
>>feeling that concealing the embarrassment of the break-in was more
>>important than recovery of the artifacts (this is my speculation, and not
>>Laura's report or opinion). This was in opposition to the desires of TARL
>>staffers and law enforcement officials, who felt that early publicity
>>would greatly enhance the chance of recovery. So at this late date I must
>>tell you that the vessel collection at TARL was hit, and it appears after
>>an exhaustive inventory that 24 perfect or nearly perfect vessels were
>>taken, all but 4 or 5 of them being Caddo pots, including some of the most
>>famous and beautiful examples known. Security has been greatly improved
>>at TARL since the incident, but that does not mitigate the loss of these
>>specimens. The word is now going out, and notice should be posted on
>>texarch-l shortly. Within a few days, TARL will be posting images of the
>>items on their web site. Given the elapsed time, it is likely that the
>>objects are long gone, but there is a small chance that they are still in
>>the state or even still in Austin. You can help by keeping your eyes and
>>ears open. If you happen to know collectors who buy artifacts, especially
>>Caddo pottery, please notify them of the theft. Dealers should also be
>>informed; presumably they would not wish to deal in stolen goods. If you
>>have the time, you might check web sites where pottery vessels are sold,
>>and notify them of the theft. In a few days the images should be
>>available on the TARL web site, so that the vessels can be identified if
>>they surface. Notice of the posting will be disseminated through
>>texarch-l and other means. I will notify all of my East Texas contacts
>>when the images are available. This is a profound loss to archeology, to
>>art, and to the Caddo. Let's hope that the items will be recovered and
>>that the thieves will be apprehended and punished.
>>
>>I am sending this to nearly everyone on my contact list. I apologize if
>>you receive double or triple postings.
>>
>>Mark
>>Mark L. Parsons
>>East Texas Regional Archeologist
>>Texas Historical Commission
>>512-463-7004 (phone)
>>512-463-7002 (FAX)
>>[log in to unmask]
>>agency website: www.thc.state.tx.us
Annette Bethke, Outreach Associate
Texas Historical Commission
History Programs Division
(512) 463-1305
[log in to unmask]
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